Soil testing could not be more important preceding tasks like establishing a new garden, diagnosing plant problems, determining fertilizer needs — and much more. But some situations don't require the ...

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Understanding the texture of your garden soil is crucial for successful planting and gardening. Soil texture affects water retention, drainage, aeration, and nutrient ...

In my 40 years of teaching and consulting, one of the biggest and most frustrating problems I continually encounter is when so called “landscape professionals” and homeowners continue to apply annual ...

Most gardeners know that success depends on many factors: You can’t grow a sun-loving plant in a shady area, for example. And a shrub that loves wet places won’t do well in dry soil. But the most ...

The question I receive most frequently from vegetable gardeners: How much fertilizer should I apply? The second most frequently asked question: How can I get better vegetable yields in my garden? Both ...

I often mention my veg patch’s clay soil in this column, and that’s because soil type affects what we grow and how. Getting to know your soil is an essential part of becoming a great grower of edible ...

Spring is in the air, and your garden is begging for attention. You’ve got seeds lined up, compost ready, and dreams of a ...

With some uncertainty about how much residual nitrogen is in soils, growers are being urged to consider getting fields tested ...

A soil test should be performed before adding amendments willy-nilly. For example, Epsom salt for roses must be added with care.